For our third literary analysis, we are looking at David Foster Wallace’s very challenging (and informational and long and humorous and eye-opening) “Consider the Lobster.” It is the most modern piece we will read all semester, and in that way, very relatable. It’s also the piece that most students have trouble focusing on – mostly because it’s very tempting to simply weigh in on the topic of whether eating lobster constitutes an act of cruelty. While that can be part of what you write about, it’s important to focus on Wallace’s ideas – that’s what a literary analysis does.
Because you are required to come up with your own question(s) as a basis for this essay, the first activity for this unit will be to do just that – ask a good question or series of questions about Wallace’s work. You should then provide a short answer as well. I will provide feedback on the question and answer at the end of the week.
When reading Wallace, be aware that he is a rather cunning writer – that he is sometimes sincere and sometimes satirical, and often it’s difficult to know the differnce. Pay particular attention to the last few paragraphs, where Wallace appears to go after his audience, the readers of Gourmet Magazine.
